Yaxel Lendeborg Commits to Michigan MCBB After Leaving UAB in 2025 Transfer Portal

Michigan head coach Dusty May has hit a home run with the addition of Yaxel Lenedeborg in the transfer portal.

Lendeborg told ESPN's Jonathan Givony he will be playing for the Wolverines in 2025-26 after a terrific two-year run at UAB.

Lendeborg declared for the 2025 NBA draft and entered the transfer portal on Monday, allowing him to maintain his college eligibility.

"I love the culture Dusty May has brought to every team that he's coached," Lendeborg told Givony about his decision to commit to Michigan. "When I first started watching college basketball, it was FAU."

May spent six seasons as head coach at Florida Atlantic before being hired by Michigan in March 2024 to replace Juwan Howard.

Per On3.com, Lendeborg was the top-ranked player in the transfer portal. He could still end up going to the NBA if he likes the feedback teams give him.

B/R's Jonathan Wasserman projected Lendeborg to be a first-round pick at No. 26 overall to the Brooklyn Nets in his most recent mock.

The 26th pick in the 2024 draft is making $2.6 million as a rookie. On3.com has Lendeborg's current NIL valuation at $2.3 million.

Lendeborg has been a double-double machine in his college career. The 22-year-old led all Division I players with 26 double-doubles this season. He has averaged 15.8 points, 11.0 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game in 72 games over the past two seasons.

UAB made the NCAA tournament in Lendeborg's freshman season, losing to San Diego State in the first round. He was named to the All-AAC team and won AAC Defensive Player of the Year in both of his seasons with the Blazers.

May led an instant turnaround for the Wolverines, who finished 8-24 in Howard's final season. They went 27-10 and made the NCAA tournament this season, losing to Auburn in the Sweet 16.